The reassurance follows the concerns raised by Helm AG, who intends to invest USD 2 billion for the development of a petrochemical plant in the Mtwara region, in southern coastal Tanzania, where most of the natural gas offshore discoveries are currently being made.

The reassurance by the Minister was backed by Dr Adelhelm Meru, Director General of the Export Processing Zone Authority (EPZA) the agency under the ministry of Industry and Trade responsible for attracting investors to undertake processing and manufacturing activities for export purposes.

EPZA plans a Mtwara freeport zone to act as a centralized distribution center.

Accoridng to EPZA a number of companies currently providing support to oil exploration companies in the deep sea have shown interest to locate at the envisaged Mtwara freeport.

Follow the links to read TanzaniaInvest exlusive interviews with Dr. Meru and with Dr Kigoda: